If the Patriots had any interest, it flew over Fitzgerald's head, too.

"Nothing at all," he told USA Today this week, when asked if he knew about New England exploring a swap. "I mean, I heard stuff that was being said. But there was never a time where the team approached me. Nothing like that."

The whispers around Fitzgerald fizzled out when he restructured his deal with the Cardinals in February, but speculation is bound to bubble back up next offseason with Arizona staring down the wideout's $23.6 million cap number in 2015.

Asked by USA Today if he views 2014 as a contract year, the eight-time Pro Bowl player said he plans to "cherish every moment" on the field.

"Whatever happens after the season, happens after the season," Fitzgerald said. "But most of that stuff is out of my control anyway."